University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

Looking back in my high school years I would do many things differently. For starters I would have paid allot more attention in my classes, particularly math. It's hard to grasp the importance of some subjects being a fist generation college student, life came fist for me! My parents never even asked if I was going to attend college! Like me they thought college was just out of our reach. Personally I never had a high school senior year, after talking to my dean I enrolled in sufficient courses to graduate in three years. Like I said I never saw high school as a source of life enrichment, so I just got a diploma as a backup plan, rather than a degree. Looking back I don’t regret the decision because working labor intensive positions prior to attending college woke me up to the demands of a management positions. From that experience I was able to enroll in a community college to acquire those talents increasing personal value and productivity, to better fit the modern work force.

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school senior self that I have a lot of growing up to do before I will be ready for college. I would advise myself to get some life experience and join the military or join a volunteer program before going to college. I went to college right out of high school and had no idea what I was doing or what to expect. Unfortunately I did not do well and failed most of my classes. I then gave school a break and worked for several years. After being mature enough to realize how important education is in order to advance in the workforce I decided to give school another try. I have been back in school for three years now and am a consistent 4.0 student, but my transcript from when I originally went to college right out of high school still haunts me.

I would advise myself to get more excited about school again because the work load in college requires the drive to do well. I would suggest that I take more time in making new friends or getting involved in more organizations. Having lived in the same town my whole life and continuing to attend college here, it would have been helpful to meet more new people, rather than sticking with the people I already knew. I might have also advised myself to strive to move out of state or at least away from home. The transition from high school to college was very easy for me and I honestly wish I would have challenged myself a little more to branch out and grow. I would advise myself further to realize that everything in life changes including your friends, yourself and the way you see the world, and to be more ready for that. Lastly, I would advise myself to constantly remember why I want to attend college because it will be worth it all in the end. Positivity, and hard work in college is the key to success.

Life happens, and it happens in the most incredible of ways, but also in the most unlikely and devastating of ways. No matter what, you have to embrace it and understand opposition is just reassurance that you are exactly where you are suppose to be. Had I known senior year that it would be my last year to have my mom in my life, I would have dedicated more time to spend with her and hearing about things like childhood memories and advice on things to save for the future about marriage and raising kids. Seek wisdom and help when you need it as well as fruitful relationships. I encourage the building of relationships with the people that surround you, whether it is your hall mates or professors; the relationships that surround you daily and the people who will help you carry the things that life brings. Seize any opportunity that comes your way and do not be afraid to challenge yourself with new experiences because failure does not define you by a letter grade, but by self-disappointment in what you did not attempt. Remember that light does not shine in light, but illuminates in darkness.

The only advice that I can give to a know-it-all 17 year old is to follow your heart. Right now you can't decide on which degree to earn and you aren't sure which career will make you happiest. You may think a job is just to pay the bills but you won't be satisfied unless your career meets your ideals. High school does not teach you how to capture your dreams, it only gives you a foundation from which you can stand. In college you will learn about yourself, your dreams, and your abilities. You might think you know all you need to succeed; however, an education is what you really need.

I know you have spent the last four years with the same friends and in the same crowded place. I know that you're a bit terrified of all of the changes that are going to come with this transition and how out of place and alone you might feel. You don't need to be afraid! Change is a constant part of life, and getting used to it is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. You will make friends and you will find your classes and you'll have a great time. Don't be afraid of this opportunity because it is going to be one of the best experiences of your life.

Hey Salena!! Look I know you really don’t want to go to college but guess what? If you don’t the next five years will be a constant battle for you! You will be working 60hr. weeks ,trying to maintain bills and fell like your stuck in a dead end job.After about your fifth year you will then decide it’s time and felt as you let time pass you by. Now I know how much you don’t like to waste time and I also know if a good opportunity comes along you will take it because you have never been afraid of a challenge or change.You will meet amazing people,I know your a people person too which makes it that much more convincing.You will be a happier person with your life and enjoy it to the fullest,so instead of working that dead end job for the rest of you life go to college and a get a degree in Criminal Justice like you always wanted.I Gotta run! But I know you will make the right decision. Love always, Your self 5 years later

Stop giving all of your money to your alcoholic mother. Place it in a money market or stock and save it for college. Also, apply for OLAP and take the SAT.

Never neglect your studies and take part in as much volunteer activities as you can. If you ask any questions always ask from someone who knows the answer.

As a senior I wish I had known how important it is to get involved with your school from the beginning. Even now, I remember downplaying it in my head - my friends were attending the social events and information sessions on campus, and I can remember thinking that I would be just fine without attending. Sometimes I can be a little socially awkward, and I let that control my actions at the time. In reality, getting involved in college is not only easy and fun, but necessary from the get-go. Campus life is truly a unique and living creature, and it is important to be immersed in it as soon as possible; it is not nearly as terrifying as people like myself seem to believe. These days I adventure out of my room more often than I ever thought I would, just for the sake of seeing new faces and exchanging words with all manner of people. In college it is important to never allow fear to limit your interactions, whether they are purely social or educational, too. Whatever camps and seminars are available, grab them for all they are worth: transition is one hundred percent easier with friends.